Comment
Author: Admin | 2025-04-28
Control seizures in epilepsy, reduce shingles-related nerve pain, and relieve restless legs syndromeNaproxen (Naprosyn), a prescription painkillerPregabalin (Lyrica), which treats nerve pain and helps manage seizures in epilepsySertraline (Zoloft), an antidepressantStatins, a class of drug used to lower cholesterolZolpidem (Ambien), a sleep aid Leg cramps at night in pregnancyIf you're pregnant, you've got about a 50% chance of developing leg cramps. They typically happen in the second and third trimester and most often strike at night. Experts aren't sure why they happen, but here are a few possible explanations:Too little calcium and magnesium during pregnancyChanges to the way your blood circulatesWeight gain leading to muscle strainDehydrationIf you often have severe leg cramps, talk to your doctor, who can determine what's causing them.You will be asked about your medical history and your symptoms. You'll likely talk about your current medications in case one of them could be the culprit. You may also undergo a physical exam to look for possible causes of your cramps. For example, your doctor will examine your legs for telltale signs of blood-flow problems, such as swelling and varicose veins. You likely will undergo both blood and urine tests to help your doctor spot less obvious problems and to rule out possible causes. These tests may include:Blood glucose (sugar)Hemoglobin A1c test, which measures your average blood sugar level over the past 3 monthsComplete blood countBlood tests that measure your electrolytes, such as iron, sodium, potassium, and calciumCreatinine, a urine test that helps evaluate how well your kidneys are workingThyroid-stimulating hormone, a blood test to check on the functioning of your thyroid glandThe next time a leg cramp strikes, try some of these tips:Stretch the muscle.Get out of bed and stand with your foot flat on the floor. Press down firmly.Massage the muscle.Flex your foot.Grab your toes and pull them toward you.Ice the cramp.Take a warm bath.Your doctor might give you medications such as diltiazem (Cardizem), diphenhydramine (Benadryl), or verapamil (Calan, Verelan). But they don't always work, and they can have harmful side effects. For example, experts used to use the anti-malaria drug quinine for leg cramps. Doctors and the FDA no longer recommend it because it can also cause severe bleeding and problems with your heart rhythm.Vitamins for leg cramps at nightCould you ease your leg cramps with vitamin supplements? Some research does suggest that certain vitamins and minerals could provide relief.Vitamin B complex. At least one study found this combination effective. It contains 8 different B vitamins, including B1 (thiamine), B2 (riboflavin), B3 (niacin), B5 (pantothenic acid), B6, B7 (biotin), B9 (folate), and B12.Vitamin D. Very low levels of vitamin D may contribute to muscle cramps. However, research shows that vitamin D supplements do not effectively treat muscle cramps, at least not in pregnant or postmenopausal people.Potassium. Low levels of potassium can make it hard for your muscles to relax, and that can cause a cramp. Eating potassium-rich foods, like bananas and black beans, might help. You might require potassium supplements if you have low potassium,
Add Comment